answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

eight In theory there should be 8 electrons in the outermost (valence) shell of the most stable forms of inert elements, however there are some exceptions to this rule depending on the specific element.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

The answer is 8.

However this rule only applies to the sp block of elements- transition metals lanthanides actinides do not follow this rule.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Two in the first shell; eight in all other shells. See related question below for information on the Octet Rule.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

7

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How many electrons does a chemically stable atom have in the outermost shell?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Chemistry

When is an atom most stable?

Answer When the outermost shell(valence shell) is filled the atom is to be most stable. First Shell: holds up to 2 electrons Second Shell: holds up to 8 electrons Third Shell: holds up to 18 electrons Fourth Shell: holds up to 32 electrons


Why are Sodium and Chlorine not stable elements?

Sodium and Chlorine are chemically unstable due to the amount of electrons each has in the outer shells (also known as layers) of their atoms. Sodium has 11 electrons. First shell: 2 electrons Second shell: 8 electrons Third shell: 1 electron As the number of electrons in the last shell is not 8 and as the shell is not full Sodium is chemically unstable. Chlorine has 17 electrons. They are arranged like this: First shell: 2 electrons Second shell: 8 electrons Third shell: 7 electrons The number of electrons in the last shell is not 8, and the shell is not full, and thus, chlorine is chemically unstable. To give an example of a chemically stable element, Argon has 8 atoms in its last shell, which is why it is chemically stable and therefore does not react with any element.


How do ionic compound obtain a stable electron configuration?

They achieve stable configuration by sharing their electrons in their outermost shell.


How many electrons are in the outermost orbit of neon?

Neon has 8 electrons in its outermost orbit. The outermost orbit, also known as the valence shell, can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Neon is a noble gas and has a full valence shell, making it stable and unreactive.


How many electrons on the outermost shell of calcium?

There are 2 electrons on the outermost shell of calcium.

Related questions

When is an atom most stable?

Answer When the outermost shell(valence shell) is filled the atom is to be most stable. First Shell: holds up to 2 electrons Second Shell: holds up to 8 electrons Third Shell: holds up to 18 electrons Fourth Shell: holds up to 32 electrons


Why it is said that outermost shell should contain 8 electrons?

According to the Octect Rule, an atom is most stable when its outermost shell has 8 electrons. So atoms try to attain 8 electrons in their outer shell.


How many electrons of the most stable have in there outer energy level?

The most stable atoms/ions have 8 electrons in their outermost shell.


Why are Sodium and Chlorine not stable elements?

Sodium and Chlorine are chemically unstable due to the amount of electrons each has in the outer shells (also known as layers) of their atoms. Sodium has 11 electrons. First shell: 2 electrons Second shell: 8 electrons Third shell: 1 electron As the number of electrons in the last shell is not 8 and as the shell is not full Sodium is chemically unstable. Chlorine has 17 electrons. They are arranged like this: First shell: 2 electrons Second shell: 8 electrons Third shell: 7 electrons The number of electrons in the last shell is not 8, and the shell is not full, and thus, chlorine is chemically unstable. To give an example of a chemically stable element, Argon has 8 atoms in its last shell, which is why it is chemically stable and therefore does not react with any element.


How do ionic compound obtain a stable electron configuration?

They achieve stable configuration by sharing their electrons in their outermost shell.


If the outermost electron shell of an element is not filled with electrons to its maxium capacity the element is not chemically active?

false


How many electrons are in the outermost orbit of neon?

Neon has 8 electrons in its outermost orbit. The outermost orbit, also known as the valence shell, can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Neon is a noble gas and has a full valence shell, making it stable and unreactive.


How many electrons will thallium has in its outermost shell?

thallium has 3 electrons in outermost shell.


How many electrons on the outermost shell of calcium?

There are 2 electrons on the outermost shell of calcium.


How many electrons does a sulfur have in its outermost shell?

Sulphur has 6 electrons in its outermost shell.


What are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom?

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. The ones in the inner shell are known as core electrons.


Does noble gases react with other elements?

No. Because they already have 8 electrons in their outermost shell and they are stable